End in sight for USA Network's 'Monk'

NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- The USA Network has confirmed its mainstay TV series "Monk" will soon be entering its final season on the U.S. cable network.

The Hollywood Reporter said Friday the cable network has ordered a final 16 episodes of the detective series that will mark the eighth and final season for the series.

"Monk" follows a former police detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder who uses his unusual eye for details to solve crimes.

The decision to conclude the long-running series featuring Tony Shalhoub as private investigator Adrian Monk was a mutual decision for all involved parties, sources say.

The Reporter said while "Monk" has enjoyed strong ratings, an average 5 million viewers through 2008, the show now has substantial costs that may have been related to the network's decision.

Jeff Wachtel, USA Network executive vice president of original programming, said in a statement that the eighth season, set to debut next summer, should be a "satisfying" conclusion for "Monk" fans.

"Our fans have been extremely dedicated, and Season 8 should prove to be a very satisfying reward," he said.